A community country market is coming to Churchill as part of Lions Club efforts to liven up the town.
Churchill and District Lions Club secretaries Bill Hurenkamp and Bob Lowick are bringing the community together following about 18 months of discussion.
They are calling for Latrobe Valley residents to visit the town on the third Saturday of each month, starting with the inaugural market on 16 May.
“In essence, we want to set up a vibrant market that’s got great family appeal and is one that has stuff for the adults and the kids,” Mr Hurenkamp said.
“The whole idea is to get people from all of the local districts to come to Churchill, see what Churchill has to offer and enjoy the area itself.”
Mr Hurenkamp said Churchill’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the hotel’s Good Friday Appeal attracted “droves of people”.
It was this success that confirmed a community country market would be welcome, encouraging the Lions Club to get planning.
“What we’re aiming to do, ultimately, is promote our town called Churchill,” Mr Lowick said.
“Any dollars we raise from it are intended to be directed to other groups and help those in need in society.”
About 12 stalls have signed up to offer fresh produce, baked goods and craft, along with live music, a jumping castle and face painting.
The pair expects between 30 and 40 stalls will line the Churchill Hotel car park and bring the surrounding districts together.
“One of the issues we have is many people seem to be isolated and they don’t sort of communicate,” Mr Lowick said.
“We’re trying to bring the whole community together. The principle idea is community-based and to get everyone to work together to help each other.”
Vintage car clubs and camp quality representatives will also attend the day, which will run from 8.30am until 1.30pm.
“We want to deliver something to the town and that’s the biggest driver,” Mr Hurenkamp said.
Four metre by four metre sites are available at $10 each and larger sites can be arranged.
Phone Bill Hurenkamp on 0418 327 287, Bob Lowick on 0408 377 781 or email Churchill.lions@gmail.com for more information.
